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Back To NewsA legend of the Australian Paralympic Movement will play an important role in sculpting its future following the appointment of Matthew Cowdrey OAM to a key leadership position.
Paralympics Australia (PA) has confirmed Cowdrey as its new Head of Para-sport System and Partnerships, responsible for driving PA’s work to build an inclusive, sustainable Para-sport system aligned to the 2032+ High Performance Sport Strategy.
A three-time Paralympic swimmer, Cowdrey won 23 medals, including 13 gold, at three Paralympic Games, to remain unchallenged as Australia’s most decorated Paralympian, both in terms of gold medals and total medals won.
Retiring in 2015, his sporting achievements helped transform public awareness and support for the Paralympic Movement.
He went on to establish a successful career in business, sports administration and public service, moving from the corporate sector into politics in 2018 when he was elected the Member for Colton in South Australia Parliament. He was promoted to Shadow Treasurer in 2022.
In the high-performance sport environment, Cowdrey was Australian Team General Manager for the 2015 and 2017 Commonwealth Youth Games and has been appointed Deputy Chef de Mission for the Australian Team ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Paralympics Australia Chief Executive Cameron Murray said Cowdrey’s blend of elite sport experience, policy expertise and community leadership made him uniquely suited for the role.
“Matt is a proven leader with a profound understanding of what is required to succeed on the biggest stage,” Murray said.
“He understands the Australian sport system, he understands the opportunities and challenges facing it, he knows how to deliver elite performances and he knows what it will take for the Australian Paralympic Team to achieve its best results at Brisbane 2032 and beyond.”
“Right now we are undertaking the most significant transformation of Para-sport in Australia’s history. Matt’s role and his influence will be crucial in ensuring we not only uplift our system today, but build a sustainable and inclusive legacy for generations of Para-athletes to come.”
As Head of Para-sport System and Partnerships, Cowdrey will provide strategic leadership with a focus on the Para System Uplift, the national classification system, pathways development and the Para Equipment Enhancement Fund.
He will help lead PA’s close engagement with government, national and state sporting organisations, state institutes and academies of sport, allied health providers, and other key sport partners to drive alignment, capability and sustainable growth.
Mr Cowdrey said he was proud to return to PA and the Paralympic Movement in a new capacity and was excited to contribute to the future of the movement that shaped his life.
“The Paralympic movement has given me purpose, opportunity and the belief that athletes with a disability can dream big and achieve extraordinary things,” Cowdrey said.
“I’m looking forward to working with our partners across government, sport and community to make sure our system is stronger, more inclusive and more connected so every athlete, at every level, can reach their potential.”
“We have an unprecedented opportunity in front of us. The work being done by PA will define the direction and strength of Para-sport in Australia well beyond the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games.”
Cowdrey will commence with PA full-time in March 2026 after completing his parliamentary commitments.
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Published: 5 December 2025
